DIY Options vs. Professional Services
Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills. However, landscaping requires more specialized knowledge. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as fire pits or irrigation systems, need machinery and construction experience as well.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping can be good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re doing a total yard overhaul or lack basic lawn expertise.
Professional landscape architects and designers have the skill set to elevate your outdoor space and the knowledge to create a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can identify the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who also offers lawn care services can enhance your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making costly mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Queens Landscaping Company
Choosing the right landscaper involves finding one with good experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Consider the following factors when hiring a landscaping contractor.
Services Offered
Know what services you need before picking a company. Some providers offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services can include pruning, controlling weeds, mowing, mulching, and fertilizing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.
A full-service landscaper is your best option if you want to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some might also provide lawn maintenance services.
Licensing and Experience
Landscape contractors often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should hold the appropriate licensure from the Queens city government. It might also employ the following certified staff members:
- Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
- Licensed arborists
- Licensed horticulture specialists
- Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects
Reputation and Reviews
We recommend using third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, poor project results, or unreliable customer service. Try to select a provider with positive customer ratings.
Work Portfolio
Many landscaping and maintenance companies are happy to share photos of previous projects with potential customers. Ask to see a portfolio of landscaping projects and designs, ideally ones similar to the ideas you have for your yard. Often, companies have before and after photos to illustrate the quality of their work.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability practices may include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaping company. Landscaping work on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your contractor should choose native plants, such as blue vervain, rough-stemmed goldenrod, and cardinal flower. Ask your contractor about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.
Cost
Many landscapers offer free consultations, during which the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project costs such as materials and labor. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies, which you can then use to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.
Landscaping Costs in Queens
Landscaping in Queens generally costs between $28 and $42 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Pricing will vary based on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Bigger projects require more labor, which will increase the total price. The table below breaks down the average cost of common landscaping projects:
Landscaping Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Deck | $12,875 - $17,166 |
Landscaping Design | $2,141 - $2,855 |
Landscaping LandGrading | $427 - $2,561 |
Landscaping Mulch | $26 - $128 |
Planting FlowerBeds | $85 - $1,708 |
Planting Trees | $224 - $373 |
Sodding | $43 - $51 |
Swimming Pool | $32,444 - $85,378 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Queens
What are some warning signs of a bad landscaping company?
What are the benefits of landscaping?
Are landscapers the same as gardeners?
What is a landscape designer?
How do I negotiate pricing with a landscaping company?
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